The Morning After: Thursday, December 8, 2016
Hey, good morning! Last night, Nintendo showed off the Switch and its debut mobile Super Mario game, Microsoft laid down some big plans for 2017 and 10,000 Sprint stores are turning into PokéStops.
Nintendo successfully built a “Mario” title that makes perfect sense on a phonePreview: “Super Mario Run”
We’ve played Nintendo’s first real smartphone game (and so can you — starting today a demo is available at your local Apple Store) and can confirm: it’s just as much fun as everyone hoped it would be. We’ve played Nintendo’s first real smartphone game (and so can you — starting today a demo is available at your local Apple Store) and can confirm: it’s just as much fun as everyone hoped it would be. “Super Mario Run” integrates the character’s traditional gameplay into an auto-runner format, as players tap the screen to make him jump, hover or wall-jump through the levels. Once that’s mastered, the Toad Rally multiplayer system adds a surprising level of depth. Interested? The $9.99 game arrives on iOS December 15th (Android next year), and as Reggie Fils-Aime explains, it’s just the beginning.
It’s going to be an interesting year
Microsoft’s big plans for VR, AR and Windows 10 on ARM
Microsoft’s plans for 2017 are coming into focus, and they’re going to involve using the words “mixed reality” repeatedly. First, it’s released recommended PC specs for using those $300 Windows VR headsets on the way from Dell, HP and Lenovo. There’s also a Project Evo in the works with Intel to deliver systems ready for 4K gaming, Windows Hello and smooth mixed-reality experiences like HoloLens.
Finally, it’s readying a version of Windows 10 that runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon mobile CPUs. Don’t think of this as another stripped-down Windows RT effort however — it’s a full OS, capable of running both legacy x86 Windows programs and newer universal apps. The first PCs using it could be on their way as soon as next year.
Finally, a reason to go to a phone store.
Sprint stores are turning into PokéStops and Gyms
10,000 locations are being added to the US’ Pokemon Go world — and they’re all Sprint stores. It’s the country’s first sponsored location deal, and it’s unlikely to be the last. Don’t forget: new Pokemon are coming.
Now we just need a device with it built-in
Bluetooth 5 is faster, longer-ranged and (almost) here
Bluetooth version 5’s specifications have been cemented, clearing the way for device makers to use it in everything from phones and wearables to smart home equipment. It’s a huge upgrade to the version before it, and should ensure future Bluetooth headphones don’t choke on signal fumes. Useful at a time when all the headphone jacks are disappearing from our phones.
Like iMessages but with no obligatory iPhone
T-Mobile Digits brings calls and texts to all your devices
The Uncarrier’s new Digits program lets you add multiple numbers to your phone, and then use them across all your devices. Those who join the trial will need to have at least Android 5.0 or iOS 9 installed on their phones, and/or Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on their Macs or PCs, but then your texts and calls will work across all said compatible devices.
It’s selling faster than the PS3 did.
Sony has sold 50 millions PS4s and PS4 Pros
Console gaming continues to power on. Combining PS4, PS4 Pro and the new slim version console sales, Sony has sold 50 million consoles in just over three years. In comparison, it took the company over four years to hit the same milestone with the PS3.
But wait, there’s more…
- Nintendo’s Switch might play GameCube games
- Rumor: Apple is in talks to offer movie rentals two weeks after they debut in theaters
- Technology is coming for your retail jobs
- BBC tests 4K iPlayer with ‘Planet Earth II’
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 might have a true edge-to-edge display
With the Galaxy Note 7 debacle weighing heavy on its balance sheet, Samsung needs the Galaxy S8 to be a massive success. It isn’t expected to be unveiled for another few months, but already details are starting to emerge about what the flagship Android smartphone will offer. According to Bloomberg sources, the Galaxy S8 will include a new “all-screen design” and will not have a physical home button, with Samsung choosing to embed it under the display instead.
Previous reports have suggested that Samsung will also ditch the headphone jack — relying on its USB-C port for sound — and a brand new AI assistant capable of taking on Apple and Google’s. Bloomberg builds on this, noting that the assistant will let owners use voice commands to send text messages, make calls and set reminders but will also offer features that are “significantly differentiated” from those already available in other services.
Samsung is expected to offer variants of the Galaxy S8, which will be similar in size to the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge. They’ll “only come with wraparound displays using organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology,” Bloomberg says, and this will almost completely remove all bezels. If you’re trying to picture what that looks like, Xiaomi introduced the Mi MIX “concept phone” in October, a phone that wowed with its 6.4-inch edge-to-edge HD display.
Although the Korean smartphone giant wants to unveil the phone in March, “tougher testing procedures” could set things back by a month. Samsung is keen not to repeat the mistakes it made with the Galaxy Note 7, so its new Android smartphone may undergo additional quality assurance examinations to ensure it’s ready for public release.
Source: Bloomberg
Uber explains how you can lose access to its service
Uber already has publicly posted guidelines telling drivers what they’re not allowed to do, and why they might get the boot. However, the same hasn’t been true for passengers — just what qualifies as crossing the line? You probably have a good idea, but Uber wants to erase whatever doubt is left. It’s publishing a set of Community Guidelines that not only explain driver and passenger expectations in plain language, but publicly outline US policies for rider behavior for the first time. While they’re largely logical rules that you’d expect, it’s helpful to see them all the same.
Respect and safety make up the largest part of the policies. Purposefully damaging the car or anything inside is grounds for losing access, to start with. You’re also barred from touching or flirting with anyone in the car. That means no sexual activity “no matter what,” Uber says. You also shouldn’t use “inappropriate and abusive” language or gestures — don’t threaten your driver or ask intensely personal questions. Breaking any local laws (such as asking the driver to break the speed limit) is equally forbidden, as is contacting anyone from the car after the trip if they didn’t grant permission.
The rules also forbid anyone from carrying a gun in a car, regardless of state laws. Also, any discrimination based on factors like race, religion, sex or gender identity will get you kicked out. And if you’re caught committing fraud, such as abusing promotions or colluding with your driver, you’re definitely in hot water.
The passenger policy’s timing is slightly unusual given that most of the attention as of late has centered around driver behavior, not those in the back seat. However, it could go some way toward improving the experience for both sides. While it’s doubtful that most passengers will dutifully review the policies before ordering a ride, they can’t feign ignorance if they’re cut off. The public rules could reduce the number of bad customers (particularly repeat offenders), and increase the chances that drivers will stick around instead of quitting out of frustration. That, in turn, could give you more experienced drivers who’ll treat you with courtesy.
Source: Uber, Uber Newsroom
Windows 10 preview lets Cortana play music, turn off your PC
Cortana is the star of a big new Windows 10 Insider Preview build. Microsoft says that voice control of your PC was one its “top requests,” so the latest update now lets you shutdown, restart, lock or sleep your system using the voice assistant. You can also use natural language to play music on two apps (iHeartRadio and TuneIn) by saying “Play Drake on iHeartRadio,” for instance. Once the music starts, you can use your voice to control playback and volume.
If you request a song or genre without specifying the app, it’ll remember the last one you used and play it from that. It also lets you find a track name from any music app by saying, “hey Cortana, what song is playing?” Finally, when you say, “hey Cortana,” from an unlocked PC that’s been idle for over 10 seconds, the app will load in a new full-screen mode, showing information like the weather.
The update also includes support for 19 more games in full-screen mode with the Windows Game Bar (including Battlefield 1, Fallout 4 and Dark Souls III). You’ll also get new Windows Ink features, additional Edge extensions, a new Windows Defender dashboard, updated Narrator features, more Windows Update options and new rendering tech for Universal Windows (UWP) apps. In other words, it’s a pretty big update — check the Windows Blog for more information, or, if you’re on the Insider track, you can now get it directly. As usual, beware of the release’s beta nature and the bugs that entails.
Source: Microsoft
Playable Demos of ‘Super Mario Run’ in Apple Stores From Today
iOS devices in brick-and-mortar Apple Stores around the world are running playable demos of Nintendo’s highly anticipated Super Mario Run from today, December 7, for those eager to get an early taster of the new game.
The announcement was made by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime on Wednesday evening’s The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, during which a playable version of the company’s upcoming Switch console was also shown.
Super Mario Run is Nintendo’s first major attempt to crack mobile gaming and is the first of many titles planned for the platform. Driven by its iconic character, the game is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the company. Engadget has posted a remarkably positive hands-on of the free runner title for anyone interested to learn more.
Super Mario Run is set to debut on the App Store on December 15 for iPhone and iPad. The game will be a free download with a $10 in-app purchase required to unlock the full content.
Tags: Nintendo, Super Mario Run
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Pebble Posts Details on Refunds and Existing Device Services Following Fitbit Buyout
Pebble CEO and founder Eric Migicovsky took to the company’s blog yesterday to personally confirm its imminent closure, following media reports earlier on Wednesday that Fitbit has acquired its technology, software assets, and other intellectual property.
Dear Pebblers,
Thank you all for being such loyal supporters and champions of the Pebble community and brand. You helped start something fantastic when you backed our first Kickstarter project (and shout-out to the first inPulse users). Since then, we’ve shipped over 2 million Pebbles around the world!
However — due to various factors — Pebble is no longer able to operate as an independent entity. We have made the tough decision to shut down the company and no longer manufacture Pebble devices.
Migicovsky went on to cover the buyout, earlier confirmed by Fitbit in a press release, and said that many members of his team would be joining the company to continue their work on wearable software platforms. Migicovsky also said that Pebble devices will continue to work as normal, thanks to “close collaboration with the Fitbit team”, but warned that functionality or service quality may be reduced in the future.
The blog post also lists a number of bulleted “need-to-knows” for customers, including further details on refunds for Kickstarter backers awaiting pre-orders of devices including the Pebble 2 and Core wearables. Customers can read the list here.
Tags: Pebble, Fitbit
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Apple Enters Agreement With World’s Largest Wind Turbine Maker for Clean Energy Projects
Apple recently struck a deal with Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology, known as the world’s largest wind turbine maker, which will bring clean energy into the production processes and manufacturing plants of Apple’s partner facilities in China (via South China Morning Post).
Specifically, Goldwind’s wholly-owned subsidiary Beijing Tianrun New Energy Investment will transfer a 30 percent stake each in four project companies to Apple. The subsidiary of Goldwind is focused on the construction and operation of wind power farms and will likely assist Apple in providing clean energy to its many iPhone manufacturing facilities in the region, potentially including well-known assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron.
“Apple is committed to powering all of its facilities around the world with 100 per cent renewable energy, and is now working with its suppliers to power Apple’s product manufacturing with renewable energy,” Goldwind said.
The details of exactly which supplier, and how much money Apple will spend on the project, were left undisclosed. In the filing sent to the Hong Kong stock exchange yesterday by Goldwind, which revealed its partnership with Apple, it was also mentioned that each of the projects will be “cooperative joint ventures” that won’t be consolidated solely in Goldwind’s financial statements. Both Goldwind and Apple will have more of an equal presence, “since important matters will require unanimous approval by their directors.”
Apple has always been a proponent of clean energy and general environmental friendliness, this year joining global renewable energy initiative RE100 and replacing its retail stores’ plastic bags with paper bags made from 80 percent recycled materials. The cooperation with Goldwind is a new step in Apple’s attempts to introduce clean energy into the manufacturing processes of its supplier partners, last year announcing the installation of 200 megawatts of solar projects in the northern, eastern and southern regions of China, as well as encouraging partners like Foxconn to be more energy efficient.
Tags: China, Apple environment
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Affinity Photo image editing app is now out for Windows
If you’re looking for a much affordable alternative to Photoshop for Windows, you may want to check out this indie-made image editor. Affinity Photo, the same program that won Mac App of the Year in 2015, is now officially available for Microsoft’s OS. Its developers released a beta version for the platform in November, but the full version (with all the features Mac users enjoy) is now available for $40 until December 22nd — $50 after that. The app’s developers have also released a huge update for Mac with a bunch of new features that will also come with the newer Windows app, including the ability to edit 360-degree images.
In addition to “an all-new way to edit 360-degree images,” Affinity Photo version 1.5 offers all these:
- Macros to record and replay a set of commands
- Advanced HDR merge producing deep unbounded 32-bit images
- A full tone mapping workspace for both HDR and LDR images
- Focus stacking to achieve large depth of field from multiple images
- Full batch processing to process large folders of images in one go
- Direct PSD write-back
- 32-bit editing including OpenEXR import & export
- Automatic lens corrections based on profiles of thousands of lens & body combinations
The free update also adds support for the Touch Bar, the secondary OLED screen that takes the function keys’ place on the latest MacBook Pro. To read more about version 1.5 and to buy the app for either or both platforms, make sure to head over to the app’s website.
Source: Serif
Samsung to Pre-Empt Apple’s ‘iPhone 8’ With Bezel-Free Display and Virtual Home Button on Galaxy S8
Samsung will beat Apple to the punch in next year’s smartphone wars by including features in its Galaxy S8 handset that have long been mooted for the 2017 “iPhone 8”, such as a bezel-free wraparound OLED screen with a virtual home button embedded in the display.
Bloomberg on Thursday referred in its favored manner to “people with direct knowledge of the matter” who said that Samsung is targeting a March release for the redesigned S8, but that launch could be delayed by about a month as the company adopts tougher testing procedures in the wake of the Note 7 debacle. Apple’s smartphone launch cycle usually runs on a yearly September release.
Samsung is understandably wary of the dangers of rushing its smartphone development after quality control reportedly suffered in the company’s race to release the feature-rich, but ultimately fire-prone, Note 7.
“Since the phones have a record of burning up, it needs time for these phones to be verified as safe. How safe the phones turn out to be is more important than any hardware innovation,” said Greg Roh, an analyst at HMC Investment Securities Co. “It will take about a month or two for people to actually start opening their pockets,” he said.
The bezel-less devices will come in sizes similar to Samsung’s 5.1-inch and 5.5-inch S7 Edge models. Samsung is also said to be introducing a “significantly differentiated” voice-activated personal AI assistant in the handsets that will be able to send text messages, make phone calls and manage calendar schedules. The AI technology will come courtesy of Viv Labs, which was founded by the developers of Apple’s Siri and acquired by Samsung in October. Samsung is considering scrapping dual-cameras on the S8 due to high manufacturing costs, Bloomberg sources said. According to a separate report, the models will also drop the headphone jack.
Chinese phone maker Xiaomi made a splash back in October by debuting an almost bezel-less display with the Mi Mix “concept phone”, boasting a screen that covers 91 percent of the front of the handset. While Xiaomi’s limited-availability phone was more a proof of concept than a device ready for the mass market, both Samsung and Apple will be relying on the mainstream appeal of similarly standout features to boost unit sales in a stagnant market short on innovation.
In the near term, Samsung is desperate to bounce back from the impact of this year’s Note 7 recall and discontinuation, which could end up costing the company more than $6 billion. The Korean-based firm reported a 17 percent drop in net income in the three months ending September, and has advised investors to expect a multibillion dollar slump in earnings in the December and March quarters as its market share struggles to recover.
As well as a bezel-free OLED display and virtual home button, Apple is said to be readying an all-glass casing and wireless charging for its 10th anniversary iPhone, with the possibility of a new 5-inch premium model and two lower tier aluminum models also in the offing.
Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tags: Samsung, Galaxy S8
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Blue Coral Galaxy S7 edge is now available in India for ₹50,900
You’ll be able to buy one starting December 15.
Samsung is continuing to roll out the Blue Coral Galaxy S7 edge in global markets. The color variant is now available in India for ₹50,900, with sales kicking off December 15. The phone will be up for sale online, as well as offline stores.
Samsung is set to introduce the Pearl Black variant tomorrow in “select markets,” so we’ll have to wait and see if the color option will be made available here. If you’ve been holding out for a Galaxy S7 edge, now’s as good a time as any to get it.
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